Improvement in magnet needle-threaders



NITED STATES PATENT Ormea.

OLIVER COX, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

IMPROVEMENT IN MAGNET NEEDLE-TH READERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 43,100, dated June 14, 1864.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, OLIVER COX, formerly of Alexandria county, Virginia, but now of the city of Washington, District of Columbia, have invented a new and usefullmprovement in Sewing-Needle Threaders; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of my invention.

As my invention consists in a magnetized needle-threader irrespective ofthe special form ofthe tool or implement, I shall describe one or two or more devices of the form which I deem best suited to assist in the operation of threading needles; but I do not limit my invention to the same so far a's form alone is concerned.

In Figure l, I have shown a stiletto or eyelethole-piercing instrument as I construct it at one end so as to serve the purpose of threading a needle. Fig. 2 shows the opposite or other face of this instrument. Fig. 3 showsa longitudinal section in a vertical plane. Fig. e shows a transverse' section in a similar plane, and Fig. 5 an end view of the same.

It will be observed that I make this instrument with a flattened and widened surface beyond the shoulder or terminus ofthe shank of the stiletto, and that in one face of this tlattened portion bone or more fully-open grooves, o, are formed. These grooves extend back from the front end of the attened portion b about half an inch, more or less. The base of this groove conforms as nearly as practicable to the profile of a hand-sewing needle when such needleis cut longitudinallyin two through its eye. In the other face of the attened portion b a conical or funnel shaped passage is formed, as at d, so as to intersect (at right angies) the groove c. It' more than one groove is formed, there should be a funnel-shaped passage for each groove. This funnel-shaped pas sage is a little forward of the rear terminus of the groove, and its smallest diameter is large enough to admit the thread which is to be passed through the eye ot the needle to be threaded. The location ot' this funnel-shaped passage is such that its center coincides, or nearly so, at all times with the center of the eye ofthe needle. The largest diameter of the l funnel-shaped passage should be great enough to readily receive the end of the thread. Its office is that ofa sure guide to a person of feeble eyesight.

The tool or instrument as described is made of steel or any other metal which may be susceptible of being magnetized. Steel wire is what I propose to use.

I magnetize the whole instrument in any of the best modes practiced in the art. The advantage ot' magnetizing the instrumentis this: the magnetism holds the needle in the open groove after its proper position therein for beingthreaded has been secured, to secure which position it is simply necessary to place the needle in the groove and draw it to the funnel-1 passage'with the finger or thumb of the hand. whichever may be most conveniently used. I/Vere not the magnetisml employed it would be necessary to have a closed groove or a tube or a spring or some other retainer, and in some cases an auxiliary guide is requireth These needle-threading devices should be very simple and always ready for use. My invention answers these requirements. In manufacturing the style shown in Figs. l, 2, and 3 it may be more' economical to dispense with the enlarged shoulder e and shape the tool as shown in Fig. 6. It may also be advantageous to cut o r stamp the groove c diagonally' in the face ofthe portion b, as shown in Fig. 7, in order to have the magnetism retain the needle more perfectly.

In Fig. 8, I have shown a needle-threader with open groove and magnetized adapted for use on a sewing-thimble. The partfisa split or open spring-ring, which clasps around the upper part of the thimble. The maguetized needle-threader might be formed so as to be firmly fastened to the thimble.

It is obvious that my invention is applicable to lnauy of the needle-threaders in use, and to different implements or tools used by those who ply the needle, and therefore ils utility in the relation shown as well as in other relations,butfor the same pu1pose-ie., threading needles expeditiouslyis consider-- able both in cheapness and convenience.

My needlethreader will answer as a magnet for picking up the needle in the event of its bein g dropped upon the floor or carpet, and in this respect it is quite useful.

It may be advisable to only magnetize the needle-threading portion of the instrument. This, however, is optional and dependent upon the style of the instrument.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

A magnetized needle-threader.

' OLlVER COX.

Vitnesses R, T. CAMPBELL, E. SGH/mu. 

